"So far everything has been peaceful," police spokesman Wilfried Wenzel said. By the late afternoon there had not been any arrests.

However, there had been several minor clashes between different groups of protesters.

A counter-demonstration For Solidarity in Berlin by an anti-Nazi group was attended by around 4,500 people holding banners and placards saying "Refugees welcome" and "Against racism and rightist violence."

A Walk for Openness and Tolerance of the Protestant Church was attended by another 2,400 people.